Game of Thrones Season 3: Tywin Lannister's Biggest Weakness

On Game of Thrones, Joffrey may be the king, but the real power is held by Tywin Lannister, played by Charles Dance. It was recently revealed that it was Tywin who orchestrated the Red Wedding from behind the scenes. Charles recently spoke to TV Guideabout what it’s like to be the most powerful man in Westeros.

Regarding Tywin’s opinion of Joffrey, Charles reveals, “Joffrey is kind of like an annoying mosquito to Tywin Lannister. But at the moment, he has to stop short of chopping Joffrey's head off, which he would normally do and has done to a great many people ... I think Tywin views Joffrey as one of his puppets.” We’re now picturing Joff as a mosquito puppet. So thank you, Charles!

It’s clear that Tywin isn’t afraid of Joffrey, but is there anyone who scares him? Charles thinks so, saying, “He probably privately would reluctantly admit that Tyrion is a force to be reckoned with because he is sharper, brighter, more astute than his sister or brother. But the fact that he is physically not perfect prevents him from publicly saying what he thinks about Tyrion.” There’s that, and the fact that Tywin never says a nice thing about anyone!

He may hold the power now, but even Tywin Lannister has a weak spot. Charles shares his opinion on what he believes that weakness to be, saying, “[Tywin's] inability to listen to anybody else's opinions [is his biggest weakness]. Tywin knows best. He will take advice about certain things, but only where that advice backs up the opinion that he's already formed.” That gives us a great idea for a 50s style sitcom spin-off: Tywin Knows Best!